Tag: Kaj Sanders

What members of the ’24 Rutgers football recruiting class are four-star recruits?

Rutgers football’s 2024 recruiting class includes six players ranked as a four-star.

Rutgers football pieced together a very strong recruiting class, one that is balanced and talented.

And in what is an encouraging uptick in recruiting, the class features a significant number of blue-chip recruits.

A total of six committed (and signed) players are ranked as four-star recruits by the big four recruiting services (On3, 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals). While there is no single Rutgers player who is a consensus four-star, three of the six players ranked have been given four-star status by multiple media outlets.

Below are the six players who have been ranked a four-star in the 2024 Rutgers football recruiting class. Their On3 Industry Ranking (which averages the four major recruiting sites) is used to order the rankings:

[lawrence-related id=35257,35237,35224]

White is the only Rutgers commit to be a four-star recruit according to three sites (On3, 247Sports and ESPN)

 

How many top 10 players in New Jersey’s 2024 class committed to Rutgers football?

How did Rutgers football do in New Jersey’s top 10?

Rutgers football did a very solid job of retaining New Jersey’s top talent during this recruiting cycle. In fact, this might have been the best job of keeping players in-state that has been done by head coach Greg Schiano and his staff since his return to Rutgers four years ago.

A look at recruiting in New Jersey is especially significant given a recent report that had the Garden State growing among the most NFL players per capita. In a recent study, New Jersey ranked twelfth in the nation in sending players to the NFL.

If Rutgers can keep New Jersey’s top talent in-state, then it will have the chance to compete with the best in the Big Ten as well as being consistently ranked among the top 25 teams in the nation.

Rutgers was one of two teams to land multiple top-five players in the class of 2024 from New Jersey, according to 247Sports. They were the only program to register three players from the state’s top 10.

Georgia swept the state’s top two players (No. 1 Jordan Thomas and No. 2 Nyier Daniels) but then Rutgers registered next with No. 3 Chase Winowich and No. 4 A.J. Surace.

Both Winowich (a running back) and Surace (a quarterback) attended Notre Dame Prep in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Winowich, a four-star, is the highest-ranked commit in this class for Rutgers.

He is also a four-star according to ESPN.

Rutgers also pulled in [autotag]Kaj Sanders[/autotag], an athlete from Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, New Jersey). Sanders is No. 9 in 247Sports’ rankings for New Jersey.

[lawrence-related id=35228,35211,35176]

Those are three strong pulls for Rutgers in what was a bit of a down year for recruits in New Jersey.

The 2025 recruiting class for Rutgers has two current commits, with one coming from New Jersey.

Last week, [autotag]Talibi Kaba[/autotag] gave his verbal to Rutgers. The athlete from Hillside (Hillside, New Jersey) chose Rutgers over offers from Boston College, Duke and Iowa State among others.

He said the pursuit from Rutgers made him feel like a priority. That’s good news for the Scarlet Knights as they got quite the player.

[lawrence-related id=35196,35152]

He is a three-star and the No. 13 recruit in New Jersey according to 247Sports. With a strong senior season, Kaba could well finish the year top-10 in New Jersey.

Anthony Morales breaks down his Rutgers football commitment this week

Anthony Morales talks about why he picked Rutgers football.

On Wednesday, Rutgers football received a commitment from Anthony Morales. The Bergen Catholic defensive end joins the Scarlet Knights as a Preferred Walk On (PWO).

For Rutgers, the addition of Morales adds a quality player with upside. A starter last season at Bergen Catholic (Oradell, New Jersey), Morales is the latest player from the state’s top program to join Rutgers.

Also part of the 2024 recruiting class for Rutgers from Bergen Catholic is four-star athlete [autotag]Kaj Sanders[/autotag].

During his senior year this past fall, Morales had  career-highs in total tackles (41), tackles for a loss (16.5) and sacks (6.5). Thet 6-foot-2 and 240 pound edge also had an interception and two fumble recoveries.

“Rutgers has a great football team with an amazing coaching staff. When I visited, the coaches reminded me of my coaches at Bergen Catholic,” Morales told Rutgers Wire on Wednesday following his commitment.

“They value hard work and want each player to succeed in every aspect of their life. Rutgers also has excellent academics, which will help prepare me for my career. Rutgers is definitely the best choice for me.”

Sanders has been advised during the recruiting process by Latish Kinsler, a former college star at Cincinnati who spent time in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Jets. Kinsler is now an advisor to some of New Jersey’s top high school players.

[lawrence-related id=35107,35088]

His son is Jordan Kinsler, a running back at Rutgers.

As for Morales, he had scholarship offers from Marist and Wagner. when he opted for Rutgers

A hard worker, Morales has the upside to grow into a contributor on the Rutgers defense. He has a strong motor and good instincts for getting to the ball.

[lawrence-related id=35093,35068,35047]

Offered by Rutgers a PWO slot last week, Morales said the commitment was exciting for him.

“I got in touch with the safeties coach (Drew Lascari), who was recruiting me to Rutgers,” Morales said.

“I told him that my family and I have come to a decision and that I was going to commit to Rutgers.”

 

Bergen Catholic’s Anthony Morales on where Rutgers football stands after last week’s PWO offer

Anthony Morales talks recent Rutgers football offer.

Anthony Morales was offered by Rutgers football late last week, an offer that one of New Jersey’s top un-committed players said is very intriguing.

Morales is a 6-foot-2, 240-pound defensive end at Bergen Catholic (Oradell, New Jersey). This past fall, he had a career-high in total tackles (41), tackles for a loss (16.5) and sacks (6.5)..In addition, Morales also had an interception and two fumble recoveries.

He currently holds offers from Marist and Wagner.

The offer on Thursday from Rutgers was a solid get for Morales, who has the ability to make an impact at the FBS level.

“I’m beyond blessed to have received the Preferred Walk On from coach Schiano,” Morales told RutgersWire.

“It means a lot to me and my family. I thank God, my family, and coaches for always being there for me and pushing me to be the best version of myself on and off the field.”

As part of the recruiting process, Morales is being guided by Latish Kinsler, a mentor and advisor for many recruits. Kinsler, a former NFL player, has assisted many of New Jersey’s top players through[lawrence-related id=34928,34902] the recruiting process, including [autotag]Kaj Sanders[/autotag], a four-star defensive back currently enrolled at Rutgers.

Kinsler has a son, Jordan Kinsler, who is a running back at Rutgers.

 

As for the offer from Rutgers, Morales said that the Scarlet Knights have been doing well in his recruitment.

“I was interested in Rutgers before I got the Preferred Walk On (offer),” Morales said.

“After meeting the coaches and seeing what the culture is like, Rutgers is definitely a top choice right now.”

Rutgers football: Who is the sleeper of the 2024 recruiting class? Who can make an immediate impact? Who might be the next Brian Leonard?

A look at who can make an impact for Rutgers in this recruiting class.

Rutgers football landed a recruiting class that head coach Greg Schiano believes will continue their developmental pipeline. Overall, it is a solid class filled with several players who are projected to be impact players over the next several seasons.

The class is ranked No. 44 in the nation by 247Sports. But like last year’s class, it features several players who are simply under-ranked by the recruiting services or under-valued in terms of their projections.

How did this class fill needs for Rutgers? Following a 6-6 (3-5 Big Ten) season, it is clear that Schiano and his staff can develop players. But they will need more talent in that pipeline in order to be able to take the next step as a program.

Scroll down and check out the recruits from the 2024 class who signed with Rutgers on Wednesday who are the most intriguing in the group.

Rutgers 2024 recruit Kaj Sanders advances to the NJSIAA Non-Public A Championship

Rutgers 2024 recruit Kaj Sanders and the Bergen Catholic Crusaders defeated Donovan Catholic to advance to NJ’s Non-Public A Championship. 

On Friday, Rutgers football 2024 recruit Kaj Sanders and the Bergen Catholic Crusaders defeated Donovan Catholic, 42-13, to advance to New Jersey’s High School Football Non-Public A Championship.

The four-star recruit recorded a season-high rushing yards (188) in the semifinal round, helping his team advance to their third consecutive Non-Public A Championship.

Sanders played a focal point in the Crusaders’ semifinal victory, recording three touchdowns in three of the four quarters. The future Scarlet Knight recorded 14 carries for 188 yards and three rushing touchdowns, averaging 13.4 yards per attempt. Sanders’s longest rush came in the third quarter when he recorded a 78-yard touchdown, improving the Crusaders lead to 35-7.

[lawrence-related id=32287]

Through 11 games of his senior season, Sanders has recorded 104 carries for 937 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, averaging nine yards per carry. Sanders is ranked No. 41 in New Jersey with his 15 recorded touchdowns.

For his Bergen Catholic career, the Oradell, New Jersey, native has logged 153 carries for 1307 yards and 19 touchdowns in 34 games.

On the other side of the ball, Sanders added two tackles against the Griffins to increase his total tackles to 34 this season. In three seasons with the Crusaders, Sanders has registered 88 total tackles.

According to 247Sports, Sanders is the No. 8 ranked prospect in New Jersey and No. 59 for his position among his 2024 recruiting class.

On Tuesday, November 28, Sanders will lead the Crusaders against the Delbarton Green Wave in the Non-Public Group A Championship.

[lawrence-related id=32284]

Rutgers football is trending towards a strong turnout for early enrollees in the 2024 recruiting class

A number of top commits are expected to join the Rutgers football team in January.

It looks like the Rutgers football class of 2024 will have a very healthy number of early enrollees. Over half the class is currently trending towards being on campus in January.

That’s good news for Rutgers as they continue to try and fill their pipeline of talent and replace key players this offseason.

Rutgers currently has the No. 35 recruiting class in the nation according to 247Sports.

Rutgers Wire las learned that the following 14 names can be confirmed as trending toward early enrollment in January:

Enrolling early is an obvious advantage for a freshman, allowing them to start taking classes, getting in workouts as well as participating in spring practices.

[lawrence-related id=32087,32081]

One member originally a part of the 2024 class, Sage Clawges, enrolled at Rutgers over the summer and is practicing with the team.

Rutgers football recruiting: Kaj Sanders reacts to Saturday’s visit against Ohio State

Four-star Kaj Sanders shares his thoughts on Rutgers football’s loss to Ohio State.

Kaj Sanders was part of a star-studded group of recruits who were at SHI Stadium on Saturday to see Rutgers football show significant progress in a 35-16 loss to No. 1 Ohio State.

The four-star defensive back from Bergen Catholic (Oradell, New Jersey) is the headliner of a 2024 recruiting class for Rutgers that is solid, deep and has some serious potential.

A 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete, Sanders has been dominant defensively in the secondary for Bergen Catholic and on the other side of the ball as a running back.

Rivals ranks him as a four-star and the fourth-best recruit in New Jersey.

“What stood out is how tough they played the whole game,” Sanders told Rutgers Wire. “And that they can compete with the best. I trust the process!”

In July, Sanders committed to Rutgers. He chose the Scarlet Knights from a final four of North Carolina, Rutgers, South Carolina and Wisconsin,

Saying that Saturday’s visit “went great like usual,” Sanders singled out the big-time feel around this Big Ten game.

[lawrence-related id=31794]

“Love the atmosphere and love all the love that the fans give,” Sanders said.

It was a strong and impressive game from Rutgers, one that showed the progress made in the rebuild undertaken by head coach Greg Schiano. Not just hanging tight with the top team in the nation, Rutgers had a lead and outplayed Ohio State for large chunks of the game.

[lawrence-related id=31806,31739]

Rutgers held a 9-7 lead over Ohio State at halftime. Early in the fourth quarter, they were down 21-16. It was a very strong effort for Rutgers.

As the Scarlet Knights walked off the field at the end of the game, the fans who were left applauded the team as they made their way into the tunnel.

Sanders noticed the effort and progress made by Rutgers on the field against a team that had just been named the best team in the nation in the College Football Playoff Rankings.

“I did see them taking a huge step forward this game,” Sanders said. “What stood out is the defense as usual. The defense did good stopping the No. 1 team in the nation.”

Bergen Catholic is 8-1 and faces Paul VI  (Haddonfield, New Jersey) on Friday in the New Jersey High School Football Playoffs.

Who are the top recruits coming to Saturday’s Big Ten game between No. 1 Ohio State at Rutgers?

Rutgers football is set to host a number of top recruits and commits on Saturday.

There are going to be so many stars at the Rutgers football game on Saturday than there will be in the sky that night.

OK, that was pretty corny. And also pretty inaccurate as there should be a clear sky at night, meaning good visibility for the stars. But what is true is that Rutgers football is hosting a number of top commits and recruits this weekend for what is a massive weekend for the program.

And there will be a lot of four-star and highly-ranked three-star recruits in attendance.

The guest list is strong and includes several of the four-star players committed to the program in the 2024 class as well as a number of players in the 2025 and 2026 classes.

There will also be a few top targets for the 2027 class as well.

Also, a number of players are expected to be in attendance from St. John’s Vianney (Holmdel, New Jersey), Winslow Township  High School(Atco, New Jersey) and St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).

Here are the players expected to be on-campus this weekend from No. 1 Ohio State at Rutgers:

  • Aaris Bethea: class of 2024 three-star defensive lineman from Erasmus Hall  (Brooklyn, New York) * (Rutgers football commit)
  • Kory Brown: class of 2027 running back from Tottenville (Staten Island, New York) *
  • Renick Dorilas: class of 2025 athlete from Union (Union, New Jersey) *
  • K.J. Duff: class of 2024 four-star athlete from St. Anthony’s (Melville, New York) * (Rutgers football commit)
  • Jayden Elijah: class of 2025 three-star offensive lineman from Matawan Regional (Mataway, New Jersey) *
  • John Forster: class of 2025 four-star running back from St. Joseph’s Regional (Montvale, New Jersey) *
  • Dominic Funke: class of 2025 defensive lineman from St. Sebastian’s (Needham, Massachusetts) *
  • Jonathan Galette: class of 2027 athlete from St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, New Jersey) *
  • Darren Ikinnagbon: class of 2025 edge from Hillside (Hillside, New Jersey)
  • Kenny Jones: class of 2024 offensive lineman from Delran (Delran, New Jersey) * (Rutgers football commit)
  • Justin Kaye: class of 2024 offensive lineman from Toms River North (Toms River, New Jersey)
  • Jermaine Kinsler: class of 2026 defensive linesman from Bergen Catholic (Oradell, New Jersey)
  • Kevin Levy: class of 2024 three-star athlete from Cardinal Newman (West Palm Beach, Florida) * (Rutgers football commit)
  • Cam Miller: class of 2025 four-star defensive back from Winslow (Atco, New Jersey) *
  • Larry Moon III: class of 2027 defensive back from Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
  • Kaj Sanders: class of 2024 four-star defensive back from Bergen Catholic (Oradell, New Jersey) * (Rutgers football commit)
  • Cameron Smith: class of 2025 four-star linebacker from St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) *
  • A.J. Surace: class of 2024 three-star quarterback from Notre Dame Prep (Lawrenceville, New Jersey) * (Rutgers football commit)
  • Khalil Taylor: class of 2027 athlete from Seton – La Salle (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
  • Antonio White: class of 2024 four-star defensive back from Parkview (Lilburn, New Jersey) * (Rutgers football commit)
  • Gabriel Winowich: class of 2024 four-star running back from Notre Dame Prep (Lawrenceville, New Jersey) * (Rutgers football commit)

*denotes Rutgers football has offered

Preview: Can No. 1 Bergen Catholic win NJ’s Non-Public A Playoff Bracket?

NJ’s Non-Public Group A section playoffs begin on Friday. Can the Crusaders capture their third consecutive section title?

New Jersey’s Non-Public Group A section playoffs begin on Friday, with No. 1 Bergen Catholic getting a first-round bye.

Rutgers football has three 2024 recruits within New Jersey’s Non-Public A Playoff Bracket, with Kaj Sanders (Running back / Defensive back) playing for Bergen Catholic (Oradell, New Jersey) and Gabriel Winowich (Running back) and AJ Surace (Quarterback) playing for Notre Dame (Lawrenceville, NJ).

Heading into the Non-Public A Section Playoffs, the Crusaders (8-1) have beaten five out of 13 schools in the bracket (St. Joseph Regional (Montvale), Don Bosco Prep, Seton Hall Prep, St. Peter’s Prep, and Paramus Catholic). Bergen Catholic is seeking its third consecutive Non-Public A Section Title and will have a high chance of capturing this season’s title.

When the playoffs kick off on Friday, No. 8 Paul VI (Haddonfield, New Jersey) will face off against No. 9 Notre Dame, with the winner playing No. 1 Bergen Catholic in the second round.

 

Notre Dame is 10-0 and is led by Rutgers’ top recruits, quarterback AJ Surace and running back Gabriel Winowich. Winowich is ranked No. 3, and Surace is the No. 9 prospect in New Jersey, according to 247Sports.

[lawrence-related id=31544]

On the other hand, Paul VI is 7-1 and is led by wide receiver Tyree Roane, who has nine touchdowns on the season. Roanne is ranked No. 88 in New Jersey with his nine recorded touchdowns.

NJ Division Non-Public Group A High School Football Rankings

Power Rankings are according to MaxPrep Sports

No. School Record Power Rating Strength of Schedule Rating
1 Bergen Catholic 8-1 59.90 40.8
2 Delbarton (Morristown) 8-1 54.00 29.0
3 St. Joseph Regional (Montvale) 6-3 48.70 37.3
4 Donovan Catholic (Toms River) 7-2 40.10 26.1
5 St. Augustine Prep (Richland) 7-2 39.90 22.0
6 Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey) 4-5 39.60 41.3
7 Pope John XXIII (Sparta) 7-3 35.50 22.6
8 Seton Hall Prep (West Orange) 3-6 30.90 39.8
9 St. Joseph (Metuchen) 7-2 25.90 8.4
10 St. Peter’s Prep (Jersey City) 1-8 24.20 45.6
11 Paramus Catholic (Paramus) 3-7 23.40 32.4
12 Paul VI (Haddonfield) 7-1 23.30 1.5
13 Notre Dame (Lawrenceville) 9-0 16.60 -10.7
14 St. John-Vianney (Holmdel) 3-7 3.40 11.4
15 Hudson Catholic (Jersey City) 0-6 -3.80 8.1
16 Camden Catholic (Cherry Hill) 2-6 -15.60 1.2